Geely-Volvo joint venture unveils new Lynk & Co 01 compact crossover

Ever heard of the “Lynk & Co” automotive brand? Well, it is highly likely people haven’t. This is practically because this is new brand created by the joint venture between Swedish carmaker Volvo and Chinese parent Geely. Of course, Lynk & Co is expected to tap into the Volvo’s deep technology chest.

Lynk & Co will try to break the auto market with its first model, the Lynk & Co 01 compact crossover. Underpinned by Volvo-developed Compact Modular Architecture that also underpins the upcoming XC40, the new Lynk & Co 01 crossover measures around 178.4 inches (4.53 meters) in length, 73 inches (1.85 meters) in width and 65.1 inches (1.65 meters) in height. It also sits in wheelbase of 107.5 inches (2.73 meters), which allows the 01 crossover to boast of larger cabin space. This should sit well with the compact crossover’s main target market in China, where vehicles with ample rear legroom are usually a big hit.

Being underpinned by Volvo’s CMA means that the new Lynk & Co 01 will be powered by an array of turbocharged three- and four-cylinder engines that will serve as the core of Volvo’s new 40 series cars. These engines could be mated to a manual transmission or a seven-speed, dual-clutch gearbox. It is possible that Lynk & Co will offer a plug-in hybrid version of the 01 later at its life cycle.

Technology-wise, Lynk & Co’s goal for the new 01 compact crossover is to make it “the most connected car to date,” as exemplified by a generous touchscreen for its infotainment system that is always connected to the Internet. In addition, new Lynk & Co 01 features its own cloud. The new Lynk & Co 01 will feature a share button that allows its owner to share access to the vehicle with others using a shareable digital key. Interestingly, Volvo will offer the same function in 2017 when it releases a smartphone app on select models, thereby effectively replacing the car’s key.

Designer and engineered in Sweden, the new Lynk & Co 01 crossover will be built in China. Lynk & Co is planning to commence sales of the new 01 crossover in China in 2017. The new brand has plans to launch the new 01 crossover in other markets like United States and Europe. Furthermore, Lynk & Co intends to lunch two additional models in the next few years, dubbing them as “02” and “03” accordingly.